Prognostic value of TP53 and K-ras-2 mutational analysis in stage III carcinoma of the colon.

Author(s):Pricolo VE, Finkelstein SD, Wu TT, Keller G, Bakker A,

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Abstract BACKGROUND: Genetic mutations involving oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes occur in carcinogenesis, and may affect biologic behavior of neoplasms. In this study, we analyzed the prognostic value of mutational analysis in colon carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Archival pathology specimens from 70 consecutive patients, resected for stage III colon carcinoma, were analyzed for point mutations by amplification and direct sequencing of exons from the K-ras-2 and the TP53 genes (topographic genotyping). Mutations were compared with adverse histopathologic features (poor differentiation, vascular and lymphatic invasion, mucin production) as prognostic markers. RESULTS: Five-year survival was 75\% in patients with nonmutated lesions, significantly lower (21\%) with TP53 mutations (P = 0.01), and intermediate with K-ras-2 only (45\%) or both K-ras-2 and TP53 mutations (36\%). A TP53 mutation carried the highest relative risk of death (2.39; 95\% confidence interval, 1.29 to 4.42; P = 0.006). There was an additive effect on the risk of death between TP53 mutations and adverse histopathologic features. CONCLUSIONS: The information derived from mutational analysis is creating new prognostic variables that may play a role in the choice of therapy for colorectal carcinoma.